Fisheries adviser urges immediate action to protect haor fish breeding

Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has criticised the lack of responsibility shown in preserving fish breeding cycles in the haor region, labelling it a shortsighted approach by both consumers and fish harvesters.

"Haor fisheries are a gift of nature, and neglecting their preservation is a significant disservice," she said at a stakeholder consultation workshop on conserving haor fisheries, held at Khans Palace Convention Hall in Sylhet's Subidbazar today (23 November).

Farida Akhter highlighted the detrimental impact of human interventions on fish breeding, which include the construction of unplanned barriers and roads that obstruct fish movement and the use of illegal nets that have decimated indigenous fish species.

She emphasised the importance of recognising and supporting genuine fishermen, noting that many have been marginalised in favour of profit-driven exploiters. "The term 'original fishermen' reflects the injustices faced by those genuinely dependent on this profession." 

The adviser called for the modernisation of fishing practices to ensure sustainability and dignity for those involved.

She suggested increasing awareness about breeding bans through billboards and media campaigns in haor areas, and recommended a temporary halt to tourism in these regions during the breeding season.

Participants at the workshop, including representatives from the fisheries sector across seven districts in Sylhet division, echoed concerns about declining fish populations.

Many cited the excessive use of pesticides, haor lease systems, and unregulated fishing practices as significant contributors to the crisis.

Fishermen reported that many fish species are now endangered, with some on the verge of extinction.

They called for initiatives such as dredging water bodies, banning harmful nets, and reducing pesticide use on cropland to improve breeding conditions.

Fishermen also sought government support during the restricted fishing period, particularly from Ashar to Jaistha months.

The northeast haor region of Bangladesh spans over 47 upazilas across seven districts: Sunamganj (95 haors), Sylhet (105), Habiganj (14), Moulvibazar (3), Netrakona (52), Kishoreganj (97), and Brahmanbaria (7).

Combined, the region comprises 373 haors, making it a critical area for the country's fisheries sector.

The workshop, organised by the Sylhet Division Fisheries Office under the Fisheries and Livestock Ministry, was chaired by Additional Secretary ATM Mustafa Kamal.

Among the speakers were Sylhet Divisional Commissioner Abu Ahmed Siddique NDC, Additional Secretary Syeda Nowara Jahan, district commissioners, university faculty members, and fisheries officials from various districts.